Victoria Issues First Conviction for Illegal Nazi Salute

In a landmark case for Victoria, Australia, Jacob Hersant, a self-described Nazi, became the first individual convicted of performing a banned Nazi salute. Hersant, 25, conducted the salute and publicly praised Adolf Hitler outside the Victoria County Court on October 27, 2023, just days after the state outlawed the gesture. His actions were captured by media, and despite arguments from his defense highlighting freedom of political communication, the magistrate found him guilty.

Hersant's conviction follows recent federal legislation passed in December, prohibiting the public display of Nazi salutes and symbols across Australia. Hersant now faces a potential 12-month prison sentence and fines, with sentencing set for Wednesday. His case mirrors a previous conviction of three men fined for similar actions at a soccer match in Sydney in October 2022.

Following the verdict, Hersant maintained his controversial stance, confirming, "I'll still continue to give the salute, but hopefully police officers don't see it." He also mentioned considering an appeal to a higher court. Meanwhile, Dvir Abramovich, chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, lauded the conviction, describing it as "a historic and thundering day for justice and decency." (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)